Snapdocs Announces “First-Of-Its-Kind” Integration With Notary Scheduling Platform

Snapdocs’ eClose and Notary Scheduling have integrated, accelerating closing speed by at least 1.5 days through this “first-of-its-kind integration,” leaders at Snapdocs say. The integration, Connected Closings, creates efficiency for Snapdocs and settlement companies through automatic document sharing, eliminating time-consuming manual tasks. It provides real-time updates on the signing appointment, notary search, and closing documents. It also directs borrowers to electronically sign documents, which they sign prior to their closing appointments 90% of the time. “Lender and settlement workflows have historically been completely fragmented, resulting in errors and wasted time. This industry-first innovation is a win-win for both parties,” said Snapdocs Chairman and Founder Aaron King. “Lenders feel more in control with visibility and access to the real-time information around…

Digital Closings: One-On-One With Todd Maki At Snapdocs

As technology improves, mortgage lenders are looking for ways to work more efficiently and the vice president of customer success at Snapdocs says the adoption of digital closings improves bottom lines and consumer satisfaction. Snapdocs uses patented AI technology and research performed by the California-based company suggests mortgage lenders can save more than $400 per loan by using eClose technology, according to a press release. Todd Maki recently sat down with editor Kimberley Haas to talk about their product and the role artificial intelligence plays in the process. Haas: Tell me some of the things that pop up the most often, some of the challenges you face. Maki: We’re focused on digital closings with the lender side where we focus…

HomeZada Launches AI Assistant

HomeZada has launched an AI Chat Assistant, Zada. HomeZada is a cloud-based digital home management company created in 2012. Zada will be added to the company’s suite of apps designed to make buying and managing a home simple, according to company leaders. Homeowners can ask questions about maintenance, remodeling, insurance, finances, and the real estate process at large, and receive information directly on the app. “HomeZada’s mission is to allow homeowners to access all of the data about their largest financial asset in one place. Integrating Zada AI Chat with HomeZada’s already-robust blend of unique apps, content, and data gives our customers even more of the latest information they need to maximize the value of their homes and save money,…

Simon Chen Named CEO Of Arrival Home Loans

Simon Chen has been named the new president and CEO of equity-minded buy-first lender Arrival Home Loans. “So thrilled to be joining such a great group of people at Arrival Home Loans and Pacific Private Money Inc. to make private money real estate borrowing and investments available to ALL!” he wrote in a LinkedIn Post. Chen brings more than two decades of experience in real estate, operations, and venture capital to the position. Before AHL he served as a Managing Partner at August Gill, an advisory firm for startups and capital providers. He will stay on there as an advisor. His other experience includes EVP of Product and Innovation at Anywhere Real Estate, and president and CEO of one of…

CMS Expands Affordability-Minded Offerings

Carrington Mortgage Services expanded its offerings to include 40-year loans and temporary buydowns as homebuyers prioritize affordability in today’s tough market. The lender said it aims to offer greater affordability to homebuyers, especially first-timers, buyers who are in the process of improving their credit, and those with non-traditional incomes.  “At Carrington, it’s our company’s mission to enable a lifetime of simple and attainable homeownership,” said Greg Austin, EVP of Mortgage Lending for CMS. “For homebuyers looking for greater affordability, our 40-year loan and temporary buydowns are options that we are proud to offer.” Broad offerings are especially important in the age of gig work and side hustles. One study found that gig workers make up a full quarter of the…

Rocket Pro TPO EVP Talks About Target Profit Control

By KIMBERLEY HAAS Leaders at Rocket Pro TPO have announced a new loan level pricing adjustment tool and the executive vice president says it is the result of listening to feedback from their partners. Mike Fawaz sat down with The Mortgage Note on Monday to talk about Target Profit Control, which eliminates misquoting or loan adjustment oversights by applying systematic profit levels. Fawaz said that before Target Profit Control, correspondent brokers were tracking files manually. “Now, you have the ability to set your target profit per loan officer and you no longer have to really go into every single file manually. It’s now set on a loan officer basis,” Fawaz said. “It is an innovative technology. It’s something that is…

Jim Fraser Joins Anchor Loans As COO

Jim Fraser has joined Anchor Loans as Chief Operating Officer, the company announced in a press release. Fraser brings three decades of experience to the position. He most recently served as SVP for Commercial Real Estate Lending Solutions at Built Technologies. “Having known Jim for almost 20 years at multiple phases of his career, I’m confident that he will be an excellent addition to our leadership team, helping advance our customer and people-focused culture so we can deliver an exceptional customer and employee experience – the best path to market leadership,” said Rayman Mathoda, Anchor Loans’ CEO. He has held senior positions at various lenders, including EVP of Commercial Lending at Axos Bank and SVP at Banc of California. He…

U.S. Bank Announces New SPCP

U.S. Bank announced a new Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) geared toward increasing homeownership in communities of color. The Access Home Loan provides up to $12,500 in down payment assistance to qualified borrowers, as well as up to $5,000 in additional lender credit for closing costs. Buyers can opt to use the lender credit to buy down their interest rate, addressing a dire affordability problem in today’s high-rate environment. It is currently available in pilot markets where the minority population is more than 50%. Those include Las Vegas, Little Rock, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, as well as six California cities.  While the loan is designed for first-time buyers, other borrowers can qualify as well. “We know that homeownership is…

DPR Highlights Resources For Homebuyers With Disabilities

This Disability Pride Month, Down Payment Resource has highlighted homebuyer assistance programs designed for people with disabilities. People with disabilities may be eligible for any homebuyer assistance program, but there are some resources geared toward this group in particular. While they vary in purpose and scope, they all serve to support the dream of homeownership for people with disabilities.  “Homeownership provides individuals with disabilities and their caregivers with greater independence and empowerment. It allows them to have control over their living environment, make decisions regarding accessibility modifications and customize their homes to meet their unique needs,” said Down Payment Resource founder and CEO Rob Chrane. “My hope is that this report will raise awareness about the available programs that provide…

Hawthorn River, BeSmartee Partner Up

Software company Hawthorn River is teaming up with fintech BeSmartee to integrate its financial spreading product, FlashSpread. FlashSpread uses Optical Character Recognition, AI, and proprietary algorithms to transform raw data into a Debt Service Coverage Ratio with the press of a button. This allows lenders to make credit decisions quickly and with confidence. “Hawthorn River is about creating meaningful efficiencies for community banks,” said Jon Rigsby, CEO of Hawthorn River. “Our partnership with BeSmartee and the integration of the FlashSpread product ensures these institutions can focus on their core mission – serving the banking community – by automating and simplifying the financial spreading process.” Lenders can upload scanned tax returns, get instantaneous spreading of financial data with potential errors or…